How to Close a Pocket Knife Safely: A Simple Guide for Beginners
Introduction
A pocket knife is a handy tool.
You can use it for camping, cutting rope, opening boxes, and even whittling wood.
But here’s the thing:
If you don’t know how to close it properly, it can be dangerous.
Yes, pocket knives are useful — but they also have sharp blades.
If you try to close one the wrong way, you could easily cut your fingers.
So in this article, we’ll show you:
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How to close different types of pocket knives
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Safety tips to avoid injury
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Mistakes to avoid
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And how to teach kids or beginners
Let’s get started!
🧠 First, Know What Kind of Pocket Knife You Have
Not all pocket knives close the same way.
There are different types.
Each one has a different locking system.
Here are the most common types:
1. Slip Joint Knife
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No lock.
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Blade stays open with spring pressure.
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Just push the blade back to close.
2. Liner Lock Knife
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A small metal liner inside the handle locks the blade.
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You need to push the liner to the side, then fold the blade.
3. Frame Lock Knife
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Similar to a liner lock.
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The frame itself moves to the side.
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Push the frame away to fold the blade.
4. Lockback Knife
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A button or switch on the spine locks the blade.
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Push the back lock to release and close.
5. Button Lock / Push Button Knife
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Press a button near the handle to unlock.
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Simple and quick.
✋ Safety First: Before You Try to Close It
Before we talk about the steps, let’s go over some safety tips.
🔐 Always Know If It’s Locked
Many injuries happen because people assume the knife will fold easily.
Check the lock before you apply pressure.
🧤 Keep Your Fingers Away
When folding the blade, make sure your fingers are not in the path.
That blade is sharp!
💡 Use Two Hands (If Needed)
If you're unsure, use both hands.
That gives you better control and reduces the chance of slipping.
🔦 Make Sure You Have Good Light
Don't try to close a knife in the dark or poor lighting.
You need to see where your fingers are.
🪛 How to Close Each Type of Pocket Knife (Step-by-Step)
Let’s go over each one in detail.
1. How to Close a Slip Joint Knife
Example: Classic Swiss Army Knife
Steps:
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Hold the handle in one hand.
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Grip the dull side of the blade with your other hand.
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Gently press the blade back toward the handle.
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Keep fingers clear of the path.
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Snap it shut safely.
👉 Tip: These knives don’t lock, so they close easily — but be careful, they can snap shut suddenly.
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2. How to Close a Liner Lock Knife
Common in modern tactical knives
Steps:
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Hold the knife handle firmly.
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Look inside the handle — see the metal liner pressed against the blade.
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Use your thumb to push the liner away from the blade.
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While holding the liner away, gently begin folding the blade.
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Once it’s halfway in, move your fingers out of the way.
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Close the blade completely.
👉 Tip: Some liner locks are tight. Be patient and don’t force it.
3. How to Close a Frame Lock Knife
Steps:
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Hold the knife with your dominant hand.
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Find the frame lock — usually the handle itself bends inward.
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Use your thumb to push the frame sideways.
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Carefully start folding the blade with your other hand.
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Make sure fingers are clear.
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Close it fully and store it safely.
👉 Tip: These are super sturdy knives. Make sure you get a good grip when unlocking.
4. How to Close a Lockback Knife
Often seen in hunting or classic folding knives
Steps:
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Hold the knife with the blade pointing upward.
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Find the locking notch on the back (spine) of the handle.
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Press the notch firmly.
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The blade will release.
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Start folding the blade toward the handle.
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Keep your fingers clear of the path!
👉 Tip: Some lockbacks require more pressure. Press down firmly but carefully.
5. How to Close a Button Lock Knife
Steps:
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Hold the knife in one hand.
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Locate the button near the handle.
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Press and hold the button.
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While holding the button, gently push the blade toward the handle.
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Release the button once it’s fully closed.
👉 Tip: These are often the easiest and safest to close.
🙅 Mistakes to Avoid When Closing a Pocket Knife
Let’s be real — we all make mistakes.
Here are some things you should never do:
❌ Don’t Force It
If the knife doesn’t fold easily, stop. Something may be blocking it or the lock is not released.
❌ Don’t Use Your Palm to Push the Blade
Never press the back of the blade with your palm.
That’s how fingers get cut.
❌ Don’t Let the Blade Slam Shut
Close it gently. A slamming blade can bounce back or hurt your hand.
❌ Don’t Let Kids Try Without Help
Teach kids the safe way. Always supervise the first few times.
👶 Teaching Kids or Beginners to Close a Knife
Pocket knives are tools, not toys. But teaching kids early (safely) is smart.
Here’s how:
🧒 Start With a Slip Joint Knife
They’re easy to open and close, and there’s no locking mechanism to worry about.
✋ Use Gloves First
This helps them feel more confident.
🗣️ Explain the Blade Path
Show them where the blade goes when closing — and where fingers shouldn’t be.
⌛ Go Slow
Let them practice under supervision. Take it step by step.
.jfif)
🔧 Maintaining Your Knife Helps It Close Smoothly
If your knife is stiff or hard to close, it might need cleaning or oil.
How to Maintain It:
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Use a small brush to clean lint or dust from the lock.
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Add a drop of knife oil to the pivot.
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Wipe down the blade after use.
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Store it in a dry place.
👉 A clean knife is easier — and safer — to close.
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🧳 Real-Life Example: My First Time Closing a Lockback Knife
Let me share a quick story.
The first time I used a lockback knife, I had no idea how it worked.
I pushed the blade hard, but it wouldn’t move.
I thought it was broken!
Later, my uncle showed me the spine lock. One press — boom — it folded like magic.
Lesson: Learn the lock before you try to force it. Saves your fingers (and pride 😅).
✅ Final Checklist Before You Put It Away
Before you put the knife in your pocket or sheath, make sure:
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The blade is fully closed
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The lock is engaged (if applicable)
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There’s no dirt or moisture
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It’s stored in a safe place (like a pouch or sheath)
Never toss a half-closed knife in your bag — that’s just asking for trouble.
.jfif)
Final Words
Closing a pocket knife may seem simple — but doing it the wrong way can be painful.
Now that you know how to handle slip joints, liner locks, frame locks, lockbacks, and button locks, you’re on the right path.
Just remember:
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Go slow
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Use both hands if needed
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Keep your fingers safe
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Learn the lock first
A pocket knife is a great tool — treat it with respect, and it’ll serve you for years.
Stay sharp — but close safely. 🗡️
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